Quarter of care home patients yet to have booster

More than a quarter of care home residents have not yet received a booster jab, despite government pledges that all would be offered a third dose by the beginning of November. Latest figures from NHS England show 72pc of care home residents have had a third dose, even though they are among the most at risk. Charities said they were concerned that younger age groups who are now eligible for the jab were taking priority over care homes. There are also concerns that a growing number of GPs have abandoned vaccination programmes to clear the treatment backlog caused by the Covid response. Search for vaccine rates by postcode. With the arrival of the omicron variant having brought the booster rollout into focus, will we be having them forever? And what would a years-long rollout mean for the NHS? Here is all you need to know.

Meanwhile, Sajid Javid declared that “people can snog who they wish” at Christmas parties – overriding another minister’s advice against kissing strangers under the mistletoe. The Health Secretary stressed that “who you kiss” has “nothing to do with the Government” in a veiled rebuke of Thérèse Coffey, the Works and Pensions Secretary. Despite Downing Street clarifying “government advice does not set any limits on numbers” at festive parties, confusion reigns. Judith Woods argues the threats to festive fun are incredibly bleak. In other Covid developments:

Tips for ‘postnatal people’ omit mothers and women

The Royal College of Midwives has apologised for “erasing” women after referring to mothers as “postnatal people” in guidance. Its “safer sleep” advice for parents sharing a bed with newborns made no reference to “women” or “mothers”. Social Affairs Editor Gabriella Swerling reports on the publication, which prompted a backlash online after its release.

Daily dose of Matt

View Matt‘s latest cartoon as he imagines an alternative to Midnight Mass this Christmas.

Also in the news: Today’s other headlines

By-election result | Boris Johnson held on to his party’s seat in the Old Bexley and Sidcup by-election early today, but the Conservative majority was slashed from almost 19,000 to just 4,478. It is the first of a series of electoral tests for the Conservatives, following a drop in the party’s performance in the national polls. Tony Diver reports from the count after a turnout that was half that in the seat at the last general election. Labour claimed the slashed majority shows it is “winning back trust”.

Around the world: Merkel’s military honours

Germany’s military honoured outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel with their highest ceremony for a civilian, playing an intriguingly eclectic mix of music of her own choosing. It included a hymn, a 1960s song that includes the words “I can’t acquiesce, can’t make do, I still want to win” – and a 1970s punk rock hit. Justin Huggler has our report from Berlin.